Inflammation, pain, and chronic disease: an integrative approach to treatment and prevention

Inflammation is now recognized as an overwhelming burden to the healthcare status of our population and the underlying basis of a significant number of diseases. The elderly generally bear the burden of morbidity and mortality, which may be reflective of elevated markers of inflammation resulting from decades of lifestyle choices. Lower cancer rates are associated with diets high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and tea. AD and PD may be prevented or treated with aggressive vitamin E, curcumin, acetylcarnitine, and catechin supplementation. Cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia may be ameliorated by treating the underlying cause: inflammation caused by visceral adipose tissue. It is no longer appropriate to allow our dietary habits to contribute to the morbidity and mortality of the majority of humans. Although there is much more to understand, we have enough information presently to make the necessary changes in our lifestyles to significantly affect the inflammatory process and potentially live longer, healthier lives, with fewer burdens to an overburdened and failing medical system.